Scots find it harder than the rest of the UK to start conversations about funeral plans, according to insights from one of the UK’s leading funeral plan providers.

In a survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by Golden Charter, almost a quarter of Scottish people (24%) said they didn’t know how to start conversations about funeral plans – the highest in the UK - with 29% admitting to postponing discussions.

Almost 2 in 5 (38%) could be avoiding these discussions for fear of upsetting loved ones – the most commonly listed reason for not broaching the topic.

Scottish adults are also falling behind the rest of the UK in purchasing funeral plans. A significant 82% of Scots reported having no funeral plan in place, and no intention of purchasing one - a notably higher rate than England (77%), Wales (78%) and Northern Ireland (72%).

Just 5% of adults in Scotland currently have a funeral plan in place. Whilst 8% are currently considering one, 87% are seemingly unprepared for ensuring their funerals are both planned and paid for through a pre-paid plan.

Despite the average cost of a standard funeral in the UK being higher than a standard pre-paid funeral plan, only 1 in 10 people in the UK are considering purchasing a plan.

However, despite their reluctance to discuss or purchase pre-paid funeral plans, the data revealed Scots do recognise the benefits they bring. More Scottish people than anywhere else in the UK identified peace of mind for family and friends as the greatest advantage a funeral plan can offer.

Sorya Kousourou, Chief Customer Officer at Golden Charter said: “Planning for death can feel overwhelming, and it’s not something people like to think about. While it’s encouraging that many Scots recognise the emotional benefits of a funeral plan, it’s concerning that many are still putting off the conversation and avoiding getting plans in place.

“It’s vital for anyone considering a pre-paid funeral plan to have open, honest discussions with their family to ensure their wishes are respected and their loved ones are supported after they’ve gone."

Golden Charter, which works with a network of independent funeral directors across the UK, is encouraging people to consider both the financial and emotional benefits pre-paid funeral plans can bring for themselves and their loved ones.

For more information on funeral plans, please visit www.goldencharter.co.uk.

Scots find it most difficult in UK to discuss funerals